Building Works
Martin has worked on numerous Building Works projects over the years. Here are a select few case studies showcasing the variety of work he has completed.
Lilac Cottage
Mr & Mrs DeaconHaving previously worked on the property opposite, Mr and Mrs Deacon approached Martin about building a modern extension on the rear of their listed building to create a larger kitchen/dining area.
Martin was able to help guide them through the planning process with their architect and the local authorities. As the house was built on sandy ground, Martin and his team began by building a raft foundation for the extension consisting of a reinforced concrete slab. The extension was built from lightweight blocks and then rendered with a fibreglass flat roof with an aluminium skylight.
The Old Post Office
An extension to the kitchen at the rear of a Victorian end of terrace cottage in Hawkhurst with bi-folding doors opening onto a decked seating area.
A timber floor was constructed above the new foundations to align the extension with the existing floor level. Built with standard brick cavity wall construction up to flat roof which was weathered using an epdm rubber roof system. A pyramid skylight was also installed along with bi-folding doors. Inside, underfloor heating was fitted, floor tiles laid and a new kitchen installed. The downstairs shower room was also renovated, installing a new shower, WC and sink, tiling both walls and floor and fitting a new oak door and skirting.
Finally, a large decked area was constructed with balustrading and steps down to the garden.
Traditional Renovations
Martin’s specialised skill set proved valuable for a number of Traditional Renovation projects.
Claxfield Farmhouse
Mrs and Mrs HarleyThis medieval hall house dating from the 1300’s is a listed building and has required extensive renovation work which has been carried out over a period of several years.
Initially, the first project here was to remove the modern ceiling in the master bedroom in order to reveal the vaulted oak beamed original ceiling with its magnificent king post. The roofline was then insulated using expanded cork slab and plastered in between the beams with traditional lime plaster. On the walls, where possible, the original plaster was preserved and in places skimmed with a medium lime plaster. The same was then done in the adjoining en-suite bathroom.
During subsequent renovations to the lounge, involving removal of modern plaster to expose original oak beams on the ceilings and walls, a large previously bricked up inglenook fireplace was uncovered. The main bressumer beam had been cut away and infilled with brickwork. At this point the conservation officer was called to ask permission to open it back up again. Once granted, the bressumer beam was replaced using a 200 year old reclaimed oak beam and the brickwork was lime rendered.
On the exterior of the property, the use of modern sand and cement render by previous owners had caused the original timbers to rot in places as sand and cement does not allow the building to breathe in the same way that traditional lime plaster would do.
The modern render was therefore removed, replacing many of the damaged timbers beneath using reclaimed oak. In some areas, wood wool boards were also used before the house was rendered using traditional lime render.
Mumpumps
Mr and Mrs MunozThe first project in this large period property was to restore the large inglenook fireplace and install a wood burning stove.
The original fireplace had been adapted three times by previous generations and each of these were removed to uncover the original brickwork which was repointed and a large york stone hearth was laid.
The original oak beams in this room were then sandblasted and plastered in between using traditional lime plaster.
Further projects here include conversion of two large, oak beamed attic rooms into playrooms and two small bathrooms converted into one large luxury bathroom with bespoke sink and copper bath.
Modern Renovations
Martin doesn’t work solely on Traditional Renovation projects. He has also modernised traditional structures to suit a modern lifestyle.
Lower Standen Farm
Mr and Mrs SadlerA new, modern bathroom was installed including, bath with shower over, sink and WC and tiled floor and walls. A high pressure hot water system was also installed and the interior decorated and new carpets fitted.
Outside, bespoke windows were made and fitted and the walls were insulted and re-weatherboarded and painted using a Norwegian anti-fungal paint.
Brambledown
Mr MoninskiExtensive renovations were carried out to this modern home which included a new bathroom, new kitchen, removal of some internal walls, plastering, new electrics, plumbing, decorating and fitting wooden flooring throughout the downstairs.